Paramount Officially Announces Trek XI For Christmas 2008

Paramount Pictures today officially announced the return of Star Trek on Christmas Day 2008.

"If there’s something I’m dying to see, it’s the brilliance and optimism of Roddenberry’s world brought back to the big screen," J.J. Abrams was quoted in a Paramount press release, which in its title again confirmed Abrams will be directing the new Trek film. Abrams continued: "[Alex Kurtzman] and Roberto Orci] wrote an amazing script that embraces and respects Trek canon, but charts its own course. Our goal is to make a picture for everyone — life-long fans and the uninitiated. Needless to say, I am honored and excited to be part of this next chapter of Star Trek."

Kurtzman and Orci, who previously worked on Abrams' Mission: Impossible III, were the only writers mentioned in the press release. They will also serve as executive producers along with Bryan Burk, while Abrams and Lost co-creator Damon Lindelof will produce the film. Shooting is currently scheduled to begin in the Fall.

"We could not be more thrilled to be back in business with J.J. Abrams," Paramount CEO and Chairman Brad Grey said. "The revival of the Star Trek franchise is an important part of Paramount’s turnaround."

Earlier today, casting rumors for the new film surfaced (story), but Paramount's press release contained no information on the film's cast.